I'm currently swimming (not drowning, because that sounds super negative and bad) in work right now. I'm currently working pretty much round the clock to set up an amazing experiential event for one of my clients. It's going to be rad and I cannot wait to share more details. In the meantime, enjoy these photos from two weeks ago (legit cannot believe it was only two weeks ago that these were taken) and remember this: when you're on vacation all you need a is a longish tunic to cover up your bum that is made from lightweight cotton, and is loose and drapey. Pants are obviously not even an issue since you'll be in swimwear all the days.

[Updated Dec 2016]

Where to stay

If you're going to visit Turks and Caicos for the fist time I recommend staying at Beach HouseI haven't had the pleasure of staying there, but I have enjoyed lunch and drinks there. It's beautiful, quiet, and upscale. There are no kids in sight and it seems to cater couples that are either on their honeymoon or busy city folk who are looking for some quiet. They have WIFI on the beach and a wait staff that pretty much makes any drink or brings you food whenever you want. The best part? Is it looks just like a Beach House, which keeps the whole vibe feeling anti-resort and very intimate. The only downside is they do not have a pool. A pool is pretty key here in case the weather is bad and the ocean is too choppy to swim in — this is only the case in off seasons where bad weather tends to roll in and out quickly, muddying the usually crystal-clear waters.

I have stayed previously at the Windsong, a small hotel (less than 50 rooms) that is right next door. While I would have recommended this hotel about three or four years ago when it felt very small, on my last trip I vowed to never stay there again after the crowd seemed to change — what was once a calm crowd looking for a peaceful vacation of reading on the beach, swimming, and enjoying drinks at the pool, is now increasingly a very loud resort crowd that brings their own waterproof speakers to the ocean and rudely blasts their lame music as if the money you spent on the trip wasn't as good as theirs. If i wanted a loud party atmosphere, a) I would not be in Turks and Caicos, where the nightlife is really non existent, b) I would stay at some giant annoying resort like Beaches. (Don't stay there.)

WHAT TO eat

If you're in the mood for a beautiful sunset and some excellent portions of clean tasting Mexican food, this is the place to go: It's called Somewhere and it's right on Grace Bay in front of the Princess Alexandria Reef. The prices are great and the happy hour is on from the afternoon until sun set (which in the summer is close to 9pm). Get the "Some Salad" if you're craving fresh romain lettuce and vegetables. Or get their chicken burrito if you're super hungry from all the swimming. Their fajitas are also fantastic and the servers are always sweet. A couple nights a week there's live music

I"m not going to sugar coat it: the coffee on the island is pretty awful. If you're in the mood for pretty decent coffee I suggest you take your rental car (yes rent a car, yes they drive on the opposite side of the road, and yes you'll be okay), and go to the Green Bean. It's a cute little house near a shopping center and order yourself a simple coffee. Sure, they'll have some frilly frappuccino sounding items, but just know it's not a Starbucks but you'll pay Starbucks prices. Everything on the island is expensive because it's an island! So be prepared to spend your money on food, drink, and tips. That being said, everyone accepts American dollars despite being British owned and your cards are accepted anywhere. So it's pretty easy!

Magnolia is notorious for the beautiful sunset view of the island. You can have dinner on the patio (bring insect repellent, don't even think of wearing perfume!) and enjoy some cocktails and some old-timey American classics. The food isn't spectacular, but that tends to be the case on the majority of the island, but it is pretty delicious. You're there for the ambiance and the view and the person you're with. Also, don't waste time on wine here, unless it's chilled white wine, it's generally too hot to have a great red wine.

Mango Reef is an awesome outdoor restaurant that is reasonably walkable from Beach House. It'll take about 20 minutes to walk there along the beach, but it's so worth it because you'll be able to enjoy the sunset and then on the way back the stars. Bring a phone so you can use your flashlight as it gets pretty dark around some corners and you don't want to trip over something on the sand.